Over-center knuckle-joint hinge

Claim 1

A knuckle-joint over-center hinge adapted to occupy two end positions offset by an angle of from 170° to 180° with respect to each other and a dead-center position, in combination with a first member for connection to a cabinet wall and a second member for connecting to a cabinet door, comprising: a first arm and a second arm, one end of said first arm being pivotally linked to said first member, and one end of said second arm being pivotally linked to said second member, the other end of said first arm being coupled to said second member so as to be variable as to position along a predetermined spatial curve, the other end of said second arm being coupled to said first member so as to be variable as to position along a predetermined spatial curve, and an over-center mechanism forcing said hinge resiliently towards one of said end positions, said mechanism including a closing spring having a first end disposed and supported at said first arm and a second end, a counter-surface which changes its spatial position relative to said second spring end during the pivoting movement of said hinge from one end position to the other end position such that the spring undergoes a maximum deflection in an intermediate position of said hinge, said first arm having a portion of U-shaped cross-section, and a transverse wall, a pusher displaceably mounted in said first arm, said closing spring being disposed within said portion of U-shaped cross-section and supporting itself with its said first end on said transverse wall, said second end of said spring engaging said pusher, said first member having a cam projection in the vicinity of the point where said first arm is pivotally linked to said first member, said counter-surface being formed on said cam projection, said pusher supporting itself on said counter-surface.